Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Santalales>Santalaceae>Buckleya distichophylla (Nuttall) Torrey

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) leaves

A very rare large shrub in the sandalwood family, Piratebush is parasitic on the roots of Eastern Hemlock as well as other species. This Buckleya is growing next to a Carolina Hemlock.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) leaves

A southern Appalachian endemic, in North Carolina it is found in a few counties in the western Mountains.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) leaves

Piratebush requires direct sunlight to grow, which is not common in Hemlock stands -- this may help explain its rarity.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) leaves

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) shrub

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) leaves

The long-pointed narrow leaves are opposite and have short petioles.

Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) leaf

Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla)

Haywood Co. NC 5/13/05.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) flowers

The small greenish flowers are 4-parted. The staminate (male) flowers grow in umbels. The pistillate flowers (on female shrubs) are solitary.

Haywood Co. NC 5/13/05.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) flowers

Staminate flowers.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) flowers

Staminate flowers.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) bark

Bark detail.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) bark

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) bark

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla) bark

This Buckleya has a nearly horizontal growth habit, growing out from a steep roadside bank, reaching towards the light.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

More information:
TENN Vascular Plants
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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